Archive for July, 2006

More Sidekick 3 Skins

Saturday, July 29th, 2006

We took a quick look for some new Sidekick 3 skins and found a ton of them that are available now! As always, all the skins on one page can be found on our Sidekick 3 Skins page. Here’s the new stuff we’ve found:

Incipio Technologies Sidekick 3 Carrying Case

Wednesday, July 26th, 2006


Thanks to the fine folk at Incipio for hooking us up with a prototype of the new Sidekick 3 carrying case they’re coming out with. I dropped my Sidekick 3 into it right away to give it a try.

Let me start by saying I’m not normally a “carrying case person.” My Sidekick usually rides in my pocket, with a screen protector (after I make sure to lock it so noone gets a call from my pants). As far as cases go, I liked the Incipio design. It’s a horizontal case, made of leather, with contrasting stitching and a magnetic clasp. The magnetic clasp is so much better than velcro, especially when you’re in a meeting and sneaking the Sidekick out. The magnet isn’t super strong, so it’s easy to undo, but strong enough to keep your SK3 well situated should you bend down or something.

The prototype has a nice snug fit, but not too tight. Anyone that got the OEM Sidekick II cases knows how much of a pain it is when your phone doesn’t slide in and out easily. These cases were custom designed around the Sidekick 3 so the case takes into account the form factor of the device. One small detail that pointed this out to me was the ease it was to quickly “thumb” the device out through the hole in the bottom. As I mentioned, this was a prototype and I was told the fit wasn’t perfect yet so they were still tweaking it. Seemed pretty good to me, so I can only imagine the final product is better.


The carrying case also comes with two small pockets on the inside for carrying extra miniSD cards. So for those that can’t fit all their music on a 2gb card, you can carry an extra 4gb (or 8gb when the 4gb miniSDs arrive) waiting to be swapped out.

Do you remember how the Sidekick II had the rubber bumpers? This made it excellent for leaning up against things. At work I would always set my Sidekick II upright, leaning against my monitor so I knew if I got a message when it was on silent. The rubber bumpers were just enough resistance to keep it upright. I was disappointed when I found that my Sidekick 3 was not so easy to keep upright like this. With Incipio’s case, problem solved! Remove your Sidekick 3 and flip the screen, tuck the magnetic clasp and slide it back in as shown in the photo. the angle of the belt clip keeps it upright stylishly. I’m hoping they’re all like this, but if not all it should take is a small bend in the end of the belt clip with a pair of plyers.

The only downside, and it was just me being picky, I found to the carrying case was the location of the charging plug. When the device is all the way in the case, the side blocks access to the plug. Simple enough fix though, simply slide the device up a millimeter or two, and easy access. Alternatively, slide it into the case upside down. The USB port is easily accessible though, for when you need to dump some new MP3s onto your Sidekick.

The Sidekick II cases from Incipio are already available and are the same quality. The Sidekick 3 actually fits in them, but is a bit harder to get out without hitting the shoulder buttons. The Sidekick 3 carrying cases should be available soon. They’ll come in an assortment of colors, so you’re not necessarily stuck with black. We’ve been told to expect Black, Red, Pink,
Grey, and Bone White. Click to jump to Incipio’s Sidekick Case page and check them out.

Sidekick 3 Parties!

Friday, July 21st, 2006

Don’t miss the Sidekick 3 party in your town! If you’re going to one, post in the forum and meet up with some of the other members of this site! Here’s the schedule that was posted on www.sidekick.com as of the posting of this:

Atlanta

August 19, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show
MetroPark: Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford-Dunwoody Road #2405, Atlanta, GA 30346
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.
MetroPark USA

August 19, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show
MetroPark: MetroPark: Lenox Square Mall, 3393 Peachtree Road, NE, #2036A, Atlanta, GA 30326
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.
MetroPark USA

September 3, 2006: Q100 “The Bert Show Fall Singles Carnival”
Location: TBD
Win tickets for you and three friends to the exclusive Sidekick 3 VIP lounge at this matchmaking event. With the help of Sidekick 3, this could be your chance to meet that guy or girl.
Q100

Chicago

August 18-19, 2006: Teen People Rock N’ Shop
Woodfield Mall: Comcast Connections Court 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173-5012
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

September 21, 2006: Girls’ Night Out, Sidekick Lounge
The Great Hall @ Chicago Union Station: 210 S. Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606
Bring your girls out to experience designer shopping, makeup and goodie bags— all while sipping your favorite cocktails. Mix that with some girl talk, and you’ve got a night to remember.
Shecky’s

Dallas

July 28-29, 2006: Teen People Rock ‘N Shop
The Shops at Willow Bend: Center Court, 6121 W. Park Boulevard, Plano, TX 75093
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

August 11, 2006: 106 KISS FM “Sidekick 3 Soiree”
O Bar: 1602 Main St. Suite B, Dallas, TX 75201
Win tickets for you and three friends to our matchmaking event. With the help of Sidekick 3, this could be your chance to meet that guy or girl.
106.1 Kiss FM

Las Vegas

July 28, 2006: MySpace and Sidekick 3 Summer Series
Pure Nightclub: 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109
Enjoy a series of summer fun with your friends at MySpace and check out the new Sidekick 3.
MySpace

August 26, 2006: Boutique Trunk Show
MetroPark: Fashion Show Mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 2290, Las Vegas, NV 89109
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.
MetroPark USA

Los Angeles

July 8, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show
Iconology: 353 South La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.

July 21-22, 2006: Teen People Rock ‘N Shop
Brea Mall: Center Court, 1065 Brea Mall Way, Brea, CA 92821
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

August 4, 2006: MySpace and Sidekick 3 Summer Series
Element: 1642 N. Las Palmas Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Enjoy a series of summer fun with your friends at MySpace and check out the new Sidekick 3.
MySpace

Miami

July 15-18, 2006: Miami Swim Week
Raleigh Hotel: 1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
See how the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 captured the Shay Todd 2007 Collection @ Miami Swim Week.
Shay Todd

August 3, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show
Studio LX: 5814 Sunset Drive, South Miami, FL 33143
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.

New York

July 20, 2006: Power 105.1 Singles Soiree “The Official Sidekick 3 Pool Party”
Hotel QT: 125 W 45th St., New York, NY 10036
Win tickets for you and three friends to our matchmaking event. With the help of Sidekick 3, this could be your chance to meet that guy or girl.
Power 105.1 FM

July 22 & 29, August 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2006: Mercedes Benz Bridgehampton Polo Challenge
Two Trees Farm: Hayground Road, Bridgehampton, New York
Beat the summer heat at the Sidekick Lounge with a game of polo and high-class excitement.
Mercedes Benz Bridgehampton Polo Challenge

August 2, 2006: MySpace and Sidekick 3 Summer Series
Guest House: 532 W 27th Street, New York, NY 10001
Enjoy a series of summer fun with your friends at MySpace and check out the new Sidekick 3.
MySpace

August 11-12, 2006: Teen People Rock N’ Shop
Westfield Garden State Plaza: One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

September 12, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show (showcase featured all month)
Shecky’s: 489 Broome St., New York, NY 10013
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.
Shecky’s

October 10-12, 2006: Girls’ Night Out, Sidekick Lounge
The Puck Building: 295 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012
Bring your girls out to experience designer shopping, makeup and goodie bags— all while sipping your favorite cocktails. Mix that with some girl talk, and you’ve got a night to remember.
Shecky’s

Palm Beach County

August 4-5, 2006: Teen People Rock ‘N Shop
The Mall at Wellington Green: The Grand Court, 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

Philadelphia

August 10, 2006: 93.3 Rock “Painfully Single Mixer” Singles Soiree
The Lagoon (nightclub on Delaware Riverfront): 101 Taylor Ave., Essington, PA 19029
Win tickets for you and three friends to our matchmaking event. With the help of Sidekick 3, this could be your chance to meet that guy or girl.
93.3 WMMR-FM

San Francisco

August 5, 2006: MySpace and Sidekick 3 Summer Series
Loft 11: 316 11th St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Enjoy a series of summer fun with your friends at MySpace and check out the new Sidekick 3.
MySpace

October 26, 2006: Girls’ Night Out, Sidekick Lounge
Nob Hill Masonic Center: 1111 California St., San Francisco, CA 94108
Bring your girls out to experience designer shopping, makeup and goodie bags— all while sipping your favorite cocktails. Mix that with some girl talk, and you’ve got a night to remember.
Shecky’s

Seattle

July 14-15, 2006: Teen People Rock ‘N Shop
Westfield Southcenter: Center Court, 633 Southcenter, Seattle, WA 98188
Rock the shopping scene as Teen People hosts live performances, makeovers and a chance to win a Sidekick 3.
Teen People Rock ‘N Shop

July 29, 2006: KUBE 93.3 “Sidekick 3, Summer Jam Launch Party” Backstage BBQ
White River Amphitheater: 40601 Auburn Enumclaw Road, Auburn, WA 98092
Win tickets for you and three friends to the exclusive Sidekick 3 Backstage BBQ at Summer Jam and a chance to meet some of today’s hottest stars.
KUBE 93 Summer Jam

Washington DC

August 20, 2006: DC101 WWDC-FM “Eliot’s Singles and Sidekicks Party”
Fur Nightclub: 33 Patterson Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Win tickets for you and three friends to our matchmaking event. With the help of Sidekick 3, this could be your chance to meet that guy or girl.
DC101

September 13, 2006: Sidekick 3 Boutique Trunk Show
Demin Bar: 1330 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington D.C., 20024
See the latest trends in fashion and technology. Plus, get a chance to check out the Sidekick 3.

August 11th

Monday, July 17th, 2006

What’s going to happen on August 11th? www.sidekick.com says to check back for more on August 11th. We haven’t heard anything about what this means. It may just be goodies on the websites, more flash fun or something. Maybe they’re releasing a Game Boy emulator? Or just an OTA? Some people are speculating video playback, although we doubt it. What do you think?

Time for an OTA already?

Sunday, July 16th, 2006

We heard that TMobile is planning on rolling out an Over The Air Update in order to address some of the battery issues. No details on when or what else it will address. We can only assume that it’s intended to fix the 400% battery display and hopefully some of the tendency for the Sidekick 3 to suck more power than it should. As we hear more, we’ll let you know

Sidekick 3 Skins

Friday, July 14th, 2006

Now that everyone and their brother is getting a Sidekick 3, it’s time to customize yours! Skins for the Sidekick 3 are already out on the market. If you are or know someone that’s making skins, cases, accessories, etc for the Sidekick 3, drop us an email at admin@hiptop3.com. Here are some skins we found on Amazon:

Sidekick 3 erasing your credit cards?

Friday, July 14th, 2006


Anyone that’s traveled with a Sidekick II knows not to put it in the same pocket as a hotel key card. Otherwise you’ll find yourself at the front desk asking for a new one as it will wipe out the info on it. The Internet Patrol is reporting that the Sidekick 3’s magnet may be strong enough to wipe out a credit card! The magnet is really strong, but strong enough to kill a credit card? We faintly remember an episode of Mythbusters where they had a heck of a time wiping a credit card with a normal magnet. However we have heard of the Sidekick wiping out BART cards too. Who knows. Anyone willing to do some more testing?

On the health side of things, we have heard that the Sidekick 3’s magnet relieves pain, improves circulation, reduce swellings, minimize stiffnesss, and increases overall performance. Taken as a whole, these seem to be conflicting reasons as to whether or not you should carry it in your front pocket.

Sidekick 3 Launch Party Video

Thursday, July 13th, 2006

We borrowed this from Gizmodo:

Maybe it’s just me, but it looks like that was one boring party in NYC.

13 Tips for Improving Camera Phone Photos

Thursday, July 13th, 2006


Looking for some tips on improving to quality of the pictures taken with your Sidekick? Here are some generic tips that apply to most camera phones:

13 Tips for Improving Camera Phone Photos

Some of these don’t apply to the Sidekick 3 (like the zoom), but others are useful things to keep in mind. Anyone have any additional tips that are Sidekick 3 specific? Our #1 tip, be patient and let the Sidekick 3 adjust to the light. Oh, and try to keep it still.

Terminal Monkey returns!

Wednesday, July 12th, 2006


For all the geeks out there, word is out that the Terminal Client is available in the catalog finally. It will set you back $9.99, but for those that know what it is, it’s worth it. If you don’t know what a Terminal Client is, then trust us, you don’t need it. It’s not going to impress any ladies, chances are they’ll smell a geek as soon as they see it on your Sidekick 3.